Time Champions: A European Journey of Supporting Young Athletes Through Digital Learning and Time-Management Skills
The Erasmus+ project Time Champions – Balancing Sports and Studies was developed as a collaborative effort between two organisations: IN-PRES (Croatia) and CitizensACT (Cyprus). As equal partners, both organisations jointly designed, developed and implemented all key project components with the shared mission of empowering young athletes aged 14 to 19 to better navigate the dual demands of education and sport.
From the very beginning, the project recognised that young athletes often face challenges that are significantly different from those of their peers. Daily training sessions, competitions, travel, recovery time and academic expectations create a complex system of responsibilities that can be overwhelming without adequate support. The goal of the partnership was therefore clear: provide meaningful, youth-friendly digital tools that strengthen time-management habits and overall well-being.
Developing the Foundations: Research, Insights and Youth Participation
Before creating any digital outputs, IN-PRES and CitizensACT jointly carried out a series of consultations and structured discussions with young athletes, coaches and educators. These early-stage activities ensured that the project was rooted in real needs, daily challenges and first-hand experiences. Both partners actively contributed to shaping the methodological framework, defining content directions and validating the educational approach.
What emerged from this collaborative research phase was a clear understanding: young athletes need accessible tools that fit their lifestyle, allow them to learn at their own pace, and feel relatable and authentic. These insights guided the development of the digital components that would become the core of the Time Champions project.
Creating Digital Tools for Real-Life Challenges
The heart of the project consists of two main results: a user-friendly web platform and a full series of educational podcasts. Both were created jointly by IN-PRES and CitizensACT, combining expertise in youth work, education, digital learning and sports psychology.
The platform was designed to be mobile-friendly and intuitive, recognising that the target group primarily accesses content on their phones. It offers a combination of educational texts, practical tools, interactive elements and supportive resources. CitizensACT took a leading role in the technical development and user experience design, while IN-PRES contributed to content development, structure and usability testing. Together, the partners ensured that the platform is accessible, relevant and engaging for young athletes.
In parallel, the podcast series was created as another innovative learning format. The two partners jointly developed the methodology, prepared scripts, coordinated interviews and produced episodes that resonate with youth. The podcasts address a variety of themes, including motivation, planning, communication and mental well-being. CitizensACT provided technical production support, editing and sound design, while IN-PRES led the coordination, scriptwriting and educational framing.
Youth-Centred Learning With Long-Term Impact
Throughout the project, young athletes were continuously involved in refining the digital materials. Their feedback guided improvements in content clarity, tone, platform layout and podcast structure. This iterative approach ensured that the final results are not only educational, but also appealing and relatable to the young people they aim to support.
The project succeeded in building awareness among youth about the importance of planning, prioritising and managing daily routines. Many students reported that they felt more confident, more organised and more aware of how sports and academic responsibilities can complement one another when supported by structured tools.
Cross-Border Collaboration as a Driving Force
The cooperation between IN-PRES and CitizensACT demonstrated how cross-border partnerships can enhance the quality of educational projects. Working from two different national contexts allowed the partners to diversify perspectives, test materials in different environments and develop tools that are adaptable beyond local boundaries.
This collaborative dynamic ensured that every component of the project was reviewed, improved and finalised through dialogue, joint planning and shared responsibility. It also strengthened organisational capacities in digital education, project management and youth engagement on both sides.
Sustainability and Future Use
Although the project formally concludes within its Erasmus+ timeframe, the materials created—platform, podcasts and associated resources—will continue to be available to young people, teachers, coaches and youth workers. Both organisations plan to integrate the tools into their future programmes, workshops and educational activities, ensuring long-term impact and continued relevance.
The Time Champions project shows that when young people receive accessible guidance, relatable examples and practical digital tools, they are fully capable of strengthening their organisational skills and achieving better balance in their lives. The combination of educational innovation, youth-centred design and international cooperation has resulted in an approach that will continue to support student-athletes well beyond the duration of the project.
